The story of Canadian (Winnipeg) guitarist Jocelyn Gould is one of natural talent and hard work. She played guitar to accompany her singing in her bedroom until the age of 20. Then she decided to take jazz lessons and quickly became one of the best in her class at Michigan State U. She now has four albums to her name, including the recent Portrait of Right Now. She is 29 years old.
Gould reinvents neither style nor form, fundamentally, but her mastery is solid and placed at the service of a musical expression that captures and holds interest. There is never a dull moment. She confirms the first impression you get when you hear her: her inspirations are Wes (Montgomery), Grant (Green), Joe (pass) and Kenny (Burrell). Great company to keep in mind when writing and performing. The lady won the JUNO for Best Jazz Album of the Year in 2021 (for Elegant Traveler).
Gould (as I said) also sings, and in a hushed voice that is fair and beautiful, intimate and genuinely friendly. Portrait of Right Now is a tribute to great jazz guitar playing through eight stylish compositions, a tribute to Wes and an enchanting standard, Bewitched. Gould is impeccably supported by Will Bonness on piano, Curtis Nowosad on drums and Jared Beckstead-Craan on double bass.
This album is hard to beat for music lovers who love the great jazz guitar classics.
